Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hahn Recommends these 15 Practices

Vietnamese Buddhist monk and author, Thich Nhat Hanh listed these 15 practices that would promote humility and keep the mind alive to spiritual reality. This is not just related to mindfulness, but are more of a guidance for people who are meditating, or really anyone.

These are like commandments, without any sort of enforcement or threat behind them like some religions, but just as a good way of living life to help you adapt to change and the reality of life here on earth.

• Do not be bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, he said. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are not the absolute truth.
• Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless. Truth is found in life and not in concepts.
• Do not force others, including children, to adopt your views through authority, threat, money, propaganda, or education.
• Do not avoid contact with suffering. Awaken yourself and others to the suffering in the world.
• Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Live simply and share resources with those in need.
• Do not use the religious community for personal gain, or transform your community into a political party.
• Do not live with a job that is harmful to humans or nature.
• Do not kill. There is no excuse or reason for killing.
• Possess nothing that should belong to others. But prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering.
• Do not mistreat your body. Sexual expression should not happen without love and commitment. Be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world.
• Do not maintain anger or hatred. Transform them while still seeds in consciousness.
• Do not lose yourself in your surroundings. Be aware of what is happening in the present.
• Do not utter words that can create discord. Reconcile all conflicts.
• Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress.
• Have the courage to speak the truth.

Any comments about this? I found it extremely useful. I’ve never seen a list like this in any other place that makes more sense.